The Democrat is the first to declare his candidacy. Feb. 19 is the first day candidates in the May 21 primary election can circulate nomination petitions, which are due March 12.

DiGiacinto narrowly lost to former city Controller Meg Holland in 2007 in his first bid for the part-time position. Holland resigned last Jan. 31 for personal reasons. A panel of Northampton County judges in March selected Robert Pfenning as controller through 2013. City council had been charged with the appointment but could not agree on a candidate from a field of three that included DiGiacinto until he withdrew in February.

The job pays $49,000 annually and involves overseeing city finances.

DiGiacinto grew up in Bethlehem and spent six and a half years as a pilot-in-command in the U.S. Air Force. He said he has more than 30 years' experience in providing fiscal oversight and business management in corporations and the private equity financial sector.

He said his experience makes him uniquely qualified to oversee the city's $72 million annual budget.

"Managing any business requires you to lead people, read, understand and negotiate agreements, provide for debt financing, audit expenses, review and approve capital expenditures, and deal with the appropriate regulatory agencies," he said in a statement this morning.

He continued, saying changing times and economic challenges that Bethlehem has faced over the last several years will continue. His priority as controller would be to ensure an independent review of the city's financial activities, he said.

"The city of Bethlehem remains strong because of its people, neighborhoods and businesses," he said in the statement. "City council plays an important role, keeping the residents feeling good about being here and attracting the right balance of business development, recreation, services and housing. Our public safety and services are top notch."

The Liberty High School and U.S. Military Academy at West Point graduate said he has worked in several executive positions and run a business consulting company, Bethny Enterprise, for about seven years.

His other civic contributions include having served on the city's water authority and Lehigh and Northampton Airport Authority board and with the Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem, American Hellenic Education Progressive Association and Historic Bethlehem Partnership.